Chapter 13: Appreciation

Pagomaris appeared as though by magic as I turned to summon her. I had no idea how she was so able to assess exactly what

I needed and when and simply took her almost paranormal ability to see to my every need as one of those things.

As she and her people worked hard to make me presentable, I reached for Rameranselot, hoping for an early update, but was

unable to reach him. My inability to then connect with Jabuticabron only increased my nervousness until I became snappish

and short with the demon maidens who attended me.

Pagomaris's soothing voice and gentle but firm demeanor helped me to relax to the point I apologized to her after the

minions fled.

"Not at all, Ruler," she said over a curtsy. "You have heavy responsibilities on your mind we could not begin to fathom

or bear the weight of ourselves. It is, instead, our happy duty to serve you, who serves us so faithfully."

I've never really been impulsive, more thoughtful to Syd's reactionary nature. But when instinct drove me to hug my aide,

I obeyed, careful not to poke her eyes out with the spiked shoulder pads she'd added to my ensemble. I wasn't expecting

her to hug me back, knowing how powerful her hero worship was for the First Seat, but she did, and, to my shock, she

began to cry.

"I never tell you how much I appreciate you," I said. "But I really do."

She pulled away after a soft kiss to my cheek, dabbing at her eyes where tears glistened.

"My Ruler," she said, voice throbbing with emotion. "I live but to serve you, forever and always. It is my utter joy and

my life's purpose, and I can only hope you will never find another who cares for you better."

I shook my head, the tinkle of crystals and gold pieces strung in my piled hair vibrating against my horns as I did.

"Never," I said.

She bowed her way out as I pondered such loyalty and whether I really deserved it.

Such thoughts carried me to breakfast where a quiet Sequoia waited for me. When I had to frown the negative to her

hopeful expression, she simply returned her focus to her meal, though I noticed she ate about as much as I did.

Pagomaris was exceedingly attentive as I rose to go to court and I realized our conversation only more firmly cemented

her feelings toward me.

There's nothing wrong with that, Ahbi sent as I stepped onto the elevator and rose to the throne room at the top of the

Seat. In a world where most of the populace either resents you for your power or would sell their soul to have your

position, a little undying dedication from your underlings is a rare and precious commodity.

Pagomaris is not a commodity. I couldn't hold back the frost in my tone. Nor would I ever take advantage of her loyalty

in any way.

I didn't suggest you would, Ahbi sent. But, to be blunt, my granddaughter, your supporters are few and far between and

there may come a time sacrificing one of them for the good of Demonicon might be your only option.

What an excellent way to start my day.

My gaze settled on Bakari, hovering behind the Second Seat and my glowering grandfather, but the assassin's face was as

silent and brooding as usual. I ignored him and Henemordonin, though I did spare the briefest of nods for Elphremantic

who had carved himself a position near the front of the pack. From what I understood, placement in court was hard won,

each small square of real estate flanking the center aisle fought over and coveted on a regular basis. I had to wonder

how many demons he'd battled to win his way to the front and center, directly on my right side at the foot of the dais.

The idea heated my blood somewhat, burning away my temper as I considered he'd fought for a place near me.

Ahbi's sigh of annoyance killed my return to positive attitude.

To my surprise and relief, court was moderately tolerable that morning, and when I called for the end to the session,

Henemordonin didn't argue or bring up any conflict to the contrary. Feeling as though I'd somehow sidestepped a charging

bull for the moment, happy to have come out of a whole three hours with my family unscathed for once, I was in a much

better mood when I retired to my quarters for lunch.

Pagomaris was in the middle of serving me when one of her maidens appeared, head down, hands clenched before her.

"Your forgiveness, great Ruler," the girl said in a quivering voice, "but the Eighth Lady Zinniaperimote would like to

join you for your repast."

The very fact Dad's ex-fiancé wanted anything to do with me made my eyebrows shoot up. He'd been forced to choose a

consort and she had been his final selection. I still remembered our weekly chats, orchestrated by her, naturally, talks

filled with discussions about hair and fabrics and absolutely nothing to do with politics. Back when I was only heir, I

had the time to treat her with good will and more than a little sympathy. She was the kind of demon I wondered about, how

she ever made it to such a high level plane when it was obvious to me she lacked certain hungry skills required to

maintain her place. I had always guessed it was her disarming charm that kept her safe and unmolested by the others at

court, though the fact truly baffled me.

Once Dad abdicated, her position as soon-to-be mate of Ruler vanished. I winced as I thought back to the moment she ran,

sobbing, from the throne room as Dad handed over the power of Demonicon to me. I'd seen her a few times over the last few

years, but she'd held back, stayed clear, and I was grateful. I had no idea how to treat her and didn't want to be cruel,

though how could I possibly show compassion to a demon who almost took my mother's place?

"My Ruler," Pagomaris said. "Your decision?"

She's harmless, I said to myself.

Nothing and no one is as they seem, Ahbi sent. You might want to find out what she has to say.

I gestured to Pagomaris. "Bring her in."

My mind whirled in chaos as I considered what Zinniaperimote might have to tell me. It could be she simply found her

nerve at last, wanted to burn me with shame over my father's actions. But no, I couldn't bring myself to believe that

and, when she appeared, dressed demurely with her hands folded before her, head slightly lowered, a worried frown on her

face, I realized such thinking was uncalled for.

Zinniaperimote curtsied deeply to me, her thick skirting whispering its fabric song as she sank almost to the floor and

rose again. "My Ruler," she said, voice low but clear. "My thanks for seeing me on such short notice."

"Please." I motioned for her to come closer as Pagomaris had two of her maidens set a second place at the small table.

Ostrogotho stretched out on my left side, my seat next to the deck railing, looking down over the city. Zinniaperimote

didn't glance at the view, simply slid with a nod of thanks into the chair beside me and raised her eyes to meet mine.

It took me some time to adjust to the fact all demons had amber eyes, so used to alternate colors in humans I found, at

times, the lack of variety almost disconcerting. But, over time, I noticed variations in tone and pattern, color and

depth, enough to create my own mental palate. Zinnia's were clear, almost crystalline, with only the faintest of tracking

of a darker color around her curved iris, slightly cat-shaped. I found her gaze as transparent as her eye color and felt

myself retreat from her as she leaned forward, concern on her beautiful face.

"I have a matter of utmost urgency to bring to your attention," she said, voice barely above a whisper. "I would have

sent warning through a servant, but I believe the threat to be imminent."

Interesting, Ahbi sent. I always thought Zinnia uninterested in politics.

"Go on," I said.

"Lady Tanasharia and several of her associates," Zinniaperimote's voice rose and fell with disdain, "are plotting against

you as we speak."

"Hardly shocking," I said, swirling my vrena as I silently cursed my cousin and wished Syd and Dad had allowed me to

strip her power years ago when I had the chance. "I'm sure I'll survive this latest attempt at humiliation."

Zinniaperimote's thick hair brushed over the table cloth as she came closer still, eyes earnest and power tightly

contained. I would have felt threatened if she didn't feel so worried for me.

"This goes beyond some mere attempt to undermine your power, Ruler," Zinniaperimote said. "From what I know, she is

planning to challenge you for First Seat."

She'll fail, Ahbi sent with firm conviction.

As long as she doesn't cheat, I sent, not so confident. "Thank you for your warning," I said. "Considering our

background, it's generous of you to make the effort."

Dad's former fiancé sat back, eyes tight. "I mean no offence to you or to Teris Haralthazar," she said, "but your

father's laws are most troublesome. Anyone can challenge to be Ruler now, and I'm quite shocked no one has attempted it

yet."

Ahbi bristled at her forwardness, but I kept control.

"While I agree with you the new laws have forced change," I said, letting Zinniaperimote feel my disapproval, "I am in

complete control, thank you. And can take things from here."

She paled slightly before rising and curtsying again. "Forgive me, Ruler," she said.

I waved her off, but spoke as she turned to go. "Really, my dear," I said in my best Ahbi voice, "what makes you think I

haven't already successfully crushed all opposition? Or that I didn't know of Tanasharia's ridiculous little plan?"

Zinniaperimote didn't comment, though, for a moment, her face betrayed her disbelief. But when she rose from a final

curtsy, she offered a tiny smile.

"I have absolute faith in you, my Ruler," she said. "I only wished to show my loyalty. Sides will be chosen in the days

ahead and I wanted you to know upon whose I reside."

I let her go as Ahbi hummed monotone.

Pagomaris came to my side, her anger clear on her face. "My Ruler? Shall I have Lady Tanasharia arrested?"

I smiled at her and patted her hand. "Not yet," I said. "But please inform the Guard to keep a close eye on her the next

few days and alert me of whom she talks to."

My aide bowed herself out as I turned and looked over the city.

I actually hate to agree with Zinniaperimote, Ahbi sent, but I'm surprised, as she is, no one has attempted to usurp you.

She sounded as puzzled as I now felt.

Maybe Henemordonin has been protecting me from some twisted sense of need, I sent. Better the young demon Ruler you know?

Which means he's now removing his protections, you're thinking? Ahbi shifted inside me. So his push to have you mate is

part of a subterfuge, the means to lull you into assuming your position is secure.

You certainly do see shadows behind every door, I sent.

Experience, she snapped.

I agree with you, I sent, sad as I looked over my city. We already know he's a master manipulator. And that he would

never willingly give up power. Which means your conspiracy theory is likely on the right track.

So what do we plan to do about it? Ahbi's coldness sent shivers from my insides out.

We plan to crush him like an insect, I sent, casual and equally chill. Will that suit you, Grandmother?

Completely, Granddaughter, she sent.

How lovely to know we were both on the same page when it came to Henemordonin and his demise if he came against us.

The trick will be linking him to Tanasharia, Ahbi sent.

You're far more clever than he is, I sent. I'm sure together we'll come up with something.

Sequoia slipped silently to my side, taking the seat Zinnia previously occupied, so swift and quiet I jumped when I

caught her settling out of the corner of my eye, breaking my concentration.

"Ruler," she said with a tiny smile. "Forgive the interruption, but I thought you might like some good news." Her dimples

deepened. "A message from Lord Theridialis. If you have time, my father would like to see you."

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